Tennessee House declares bridge a public health hazard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Some Tennessee lawmakers have declared a bridge to be a public health hazard.

The Tennessean reports that 32 people have killed themselves by jumping off the Natchez Trace Bridge in Williamson County, Tennessee, as of 2018.

The bridge is 155 feet (47 meters) high and crosses Highway 96. Its railings are 32 inches (81 centimeters) high.

Republican state Rep. Sam Whitson sponsored the resolution, which unanimously passed the state House of Representatives this week. If it passes the state Senate, lawmakers would send the resolution to Congress.

Family members of some who died on the bridge have formed the Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition to push for more safety features on the bridge.